ICYMI: David Ben awarded Order of Canada

From the June 27th article "Appointment to the Order of Canada -- David Ben" at Magicana:

Congratulations to Magicana’s founder and artistic director, David Ben, on his appointment to the Order of Canada!

The Order of Canada recognizes individuals—trailblazers—who have enriched the lives of others; who have made a difference to Canada.

David Ben is one of those special individuals.

David is a unique individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the Canadian arts community, specifically in performance art. As a leading figure in the world of magic, David Ben has spent forty-five years exploring, developing, performing, preserving and sharing magic—its repertoire, technique and history—across Canada, and internationally.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

ON & QC: Aaron Matthews, Dogs Do Magic, and the Canine Circus [Jul]

From the June 21st Instagram post by Aaron Matthews:

It’s my favorite time of the year, Summer is here☀️🎉

 

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A post shared by Aaron Matthews Magic (@aaronmatthewsmagic)

 

 

ON, MB, NWT, & FN: Magician and the Muse Summer Tour

From the June 26th Facebook post by Sean Watson:

We are excited for our summer tour! Hopefully some of you can make it to one of our shows!

 

 

 

 

Toronto: Rob Fishbaum's "AbraadabraHaha" at the Fringe

Collaboration with Mikey Valladares!

 

From the June 23rd Instagram post by Rob Fishbaum:

I’m performing at the @toronto_fringe !🪄Link in bio to get your tickets ✨

 

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A post shared by Fish The Magish 🐠🎩 (@fishthemagish)

 

 

 

 

Hamilton: Graemazing Level Seven Wizard at the Fringe

From the April 1st Instagram post by Graemazing:

For the first time ever, catch the denim dazzler, Mr. Level 7, this summer at Hamilton Fringe!

 

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A post shared by Graemazing - Level 7 Wizard (@graemazing)

 

 

 

 

[Guest post] Mark Lewis featured in June Genii

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--  

CANADA'S MARK LEWIS FEATURED IN JUNE 2024 GENII

Vanessa Armstrong, via her excellent monthly column "The Eye - Stories From Around The World of Magic" features a full half page item on Mark Lewis winning the Golden Buzzer on Canada's Got Talent, back in April. This includes a colour photograph taken from the City TV stream.

Although this is no new news to readers of Canada's Magic (who first reported the matter in a much more timely fashion) it is still always a noteworthy achievement to make it to the pages of Genii, The Conjuror's Magazine.

Armstrong, who refers to Mark as "79 years young" reports that Howie and the other judges were "smitten by Lewis's deprecrating manner and delighted by his card routine".

She explains how Howie called him back after Mark left the stage in order to give him a Golden Buzzer which had Mark looking "truly shocked".

We can only hope that the $25,000 cash prize has helped the shock wear off by now.

Armstrong concludes with a link to Mark's performance (at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id4703fH33o) and her sincere congratulations on his triumphant success.

To which, belatedly, we can only add our own.

- The Magic Demon

 

 

Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

 

 

 

 

 

Broken wand: Edward “Ed” van Oorschot

We were recently informed of the recent passing of Edward “Ed” van Oorschot, member of the Magic Circle of Saint John.

 

From the Fundy Funeral Home:

It seems Ed was always learning new skills. He learned to scuba dive, play the fiddle, and make cedar strip canoes. He renovated an old school bus into a “mobile” home, which took 11 of us all the way to Regina. Ed had so much fun with magic. He loved to learn new tricks, and entertain others with his sleight of hand. The Magic Circle was special to him, and he looked forward to seeing his fellow magicians at the monthly meetings.

Ed loved to fish, and would take his kids out with him. But no way would he put the worms on for us – if we wanted to fish, we had to do it all! We had 4-season fires on the beach, cooking hot dogs and roasting potatoes. He took us wilderness camping on many occasions.

Ed’s heart knew no borders. He and Eke volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico for 6 months, where they were able to use their skills to teach woodworking and sewing. They also spent several months at Harvest House in Saskatchewan providing support to this community. These experiences abroad enriched his understanding of humanity and fueled his commitment to service.

In recognition of his great service to his community, Ed received the Order of New Brunswick in 2018. And in 2023, he received the Queen’s Jubilee award. So well deserved!!!

Read more.

Our sincere condolences to Edward's wife Eke, his family, and his friends at this difficult time.